FEMA aid for Sandy tops $5M in state so far

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency has disbursed nearly $5.5 million to state and local governments in West Virginia since Superstorm Sandy.FEMA's Charleston branch chief Gary Brand says that covers 131 projects. But FEMA likely will dole out $13 million altogether, with another 125 projects.Sandy dumped more than 2 feet of snow in the highest elevations, toppling trees and tearing down power lines in October.

West Virginia's emergency managers predict the storm will set a record for disaster debris.Eighteen counties were eligible for federal assistance to repair or replace public property such as buildings, roads and bridges, and parks.